Taco Charlton is one of the best pass rushers in this year’s draft, and has the best name too. He was extremely productive in college at Michigan, helping to lead the team to a top 10 ranking and an Orange Bowl appearance. Last season was Charlton’s best statistical year, with 10 sacks, and 40 tackles. With the Ravens in need of a edge rusher, with the departure of Elvis Dumervil, the Ravens front office may look to the draft to find a game breaking edge rusher. The question now becomes, is Taco Charlton the right fit for the Ravens.
Strengths
Charlton is 6’6″ and 277 pounds, giving him the size necessary to dominate on defense. This size gives him the ability to easily get around blocks, as one of his key attributes is his block shedding ability. He’s very quick to get off the snap, and is one of the first players to be threatening the quarterback every play. Charlton also is able to build on the pressure of other players, as many of his sacks come from tracking down a quarterback trying to escape pressure. His speed is solid and allows him to catch up to the ball carrier. He is also a solid run stuffer, and has big hit abilities.
Weaknesses
His play at Michigan was sometimes inconsistent, as he only became a starter his senior season. Sometimes relies on other pass rushers too much to give the first blow.
His Fit on the Ravens
If the Ravens draft Charlton they will likely make him a starting edge rusher, and hope he will be the future of the defense. With Dumervil gone and Suggs getting older, the Ravens need young edge rushers. The Ravens also are lacking playmakers, and Charlton could become a defensive play maker. The draft this year is loaded with pass rushers this year, so it is possible for Charlton to fall to the Ravens.
Rating
Overall, I give Taco Charlton a 4.0/5.0. He is a solid edge rusher prospect, from a dominant football program at Michigan. However, he only became a starter in his final year with the team, and was somewhat inconsistent in play. My gut feeling is that Charlton is a 50/50 draft player. He is either going to be an explosive pass rusher and potential Pro Bowler, or he is going to be a draft bust. The Ravens will have to evaluate Charlton well, and decide whether they want to gamble on him or not.
